Can't remove a program in XP - Tech Support Forums

nuggettsmyname · April 16th, 2003, 06:59 PM

Using windows XP
I installed Lotus Smart Suite on my computer using the Lotus cd. Well I don't have the cd anymore and I want to un-install it. I go to Add/Remove on the control panel and select remove. I get a message popping up that the action requires the original cd, which I no longer have. I then went to delete the folder and all of it's contents... but I get an error message there that states access is denied. I am the only user on this comp so I have admin rights. Without buying seperate software like Clean Sweep or formatting how do I delete this program entirely?

cracked · April 16th, 2003, 07:16 PM

right click on the folder and check and see if it is read-only. then try to delet it. if this fails, try deleting it through the command prompt. good luck

drew

nuggettsmyname · April 16th, 2003, 07:21 PM

Can you explain the deleting thru the command prompt? It was read only so I changed that but it comes up w/ another error message.

Cannot delete REMIND32.EXE Access is denied. Make sure the disc is not full or right protected and that the file is not currently in use.

The program is not showing on program manager so I'm assuming it's not in use.

cracked · April 16th, 2003, 07:31 PM

sorry, ill have to brush up on my dos skills. maybe someone else can tell u.

another suggestion. search for and find remind32.exe
check it to see if it is read-only and change it also. and the same with any others.

drew

davidamarkley · April 16th, 2003, 07:33 PM

Why don't you go to Start > Run type in 'msconfig' and see if remind32 is listed on the "Startup" tab. You can uncheck the box if it is, and even might be able to delete the startup entry. Also, check in Start > Programs > Startup and see if it's in there.

David

EDIT: Remind32.exe is a startup program that reminds you to register after you installed the program, but it seems to stick around after you have registered. We run Lotus Approach and use the SmartSuite at work here, and it's registered as a startup program here. If it's not there, LMK.

nuggettsmyname · April 16th, 2003, 08:11 PM

Went to check on read only attributes.. Selected to remove read only then deleted the folder. There are remnants left that I can't seem to delete (like shortcuts that aren't on the desktop but found after a search). The majority of the program is now removed. Any ideas on the shortcuts? It won't let me delete these after I highlight them and file/delete from the file search page.

RavenStandsAlone · April 16th, 2003, 08:34 PM

Start the Windows program in "Safe Mode", then go and delete everything you can find under your "Search" relative to the program in question.

Shawn711 · April 16th, 2003, 08:50 PM

It's probably in the active processes in the task manager..........hit control, alt, delete to bring up the task manager, then look for it in the list, and if you see it, hit end task, then try to delete it...........it's a reminder program for registering software..........software manufacturer's commonly use it to make message pop up reminding you to register their software......then once the process is shutdown, you should be able to delete it......

Shawn

nuggettsmyname · April 16th, 2003, 09:11 PM

The folder has been completely deleted minus the shortcuts. There are no active processes showing in task manager. I'll try safe mode soon. Thanks...